New York Red Bulls vs Philadelphia Union: Preview

It’s been a very good run of form for the home side. They have won four on the bounce, coming into the game off the back of their 3-1 away win against Atlanta.

That win last time out was made all the more impressive as Jesse Marsch’s side came back from 1-0 to take all three points back to New York. More of the same will be expected from the Red Bulls faithful here.

New York Red Bulls vs Philadelphia Union: Key Stats

Key stat: Philadelphia Union have won just once away at New York Red Bulls in the all-time series.

New York Red Bulls vs Philadelphia Union: Prediction

New York Red Bulls 2-1 Philadelphia Union: Despite winning three of their last five, Philadelphia Union have struggled to make much of an impact away against New York Red Bulls. Jesse Marsch will be expecting his side to continue their winning streak but will be more than aware of the threat the Union pose.

For every week of the 2018 MLS season, MLSGB will award two Player of the Week accolades to the previous gameweek’s standout performers. We will highlight one star attacking player, as well as the leading defensive performer from the last round of fixtures. The Attacking Player of the Week award can be won by strikers, wingers and advanced midfielders. While the Defensive Player of the Week award can be won by goalkeepers, defenders and defensive midfielders.

Draws were a common theme in a muted round of fixtures during Week 4. Despite four of the six games ending with teams sharing the spoils, there were still plenty of goals and exciting attacking play. New York Red Bulls will feel they had the best result of the week, with a comfortable 3-0 home win against Minnesota. At the heart of that attacking display was Mr Reliable, Bradley Wright-Phillips. He bagged himself a brace in a typically calm performance and that’s why he is the MLSGBAttacking Player of the Week.

BWP was in fine form in front of goal, scoring one in each half, putting his side third in the Eastern Conference. There isn’t much to say that hasn’t already been said about the Englishman during his time in MLS. However, those two goals mean he has scored more goals than any player in MLS history over a five-year span.

With his 2 goals tonight, Bradley Wright-Phillips of @NewYorkRedBulls is now tied for 11th all-time in #MLS with 89 league goals.

Per @EliasSports, Wright-Phillips has scored more goals over a 5-year span than any player in MLS history (88 and counting, 2014-18)#RBNY

The forward needed just three shots on goal for his brace. He fell short in some of the other areas of his performance in terms of pass completion, but that won’t be much of a concern to the RBNY fans.

Wright-Phillips took his goal tally to three for the season. He laid on just the one chance for his teammates during his 81 minutes on the field.

It was a game of clinical finishing for BWP, which doesn’t come as too much of a surprise. He took his second goal in some style, showing great composure under pressure.

It’s already proving to be a very competitive battle in the Eastern Conference. With quite a few surprise results already being thrown into the mix, the pressure is going to be on forwards like Wright-Phillips to take the chances they are provided with.

Major League Soccer is back. Week One is in the books and there have been plenty of talking points, with 26 goals scored and five red cards in ten games. But one familiar face was missing from the action as Bradley Wright-Phillips and his New York Red Bulls team’s first game of the season isn’t until this coming weekend.

As RBNY prepare to get their 2018 MLS campaign underway the pressure will be ramping up on goal-machine BWP. A lot is going to be expected from him this season due to some key creative players departing the club this winter, such as Mike Grella and Sacha Kljestan. Wright-Phillips will be looking forward to getting going and will be hoping to get off the mark straight away.

The Englishman won’t be looking into personal records too much, but he will be aware that he is closing in on 100 MLS goals, which will no doubt give him an added hunger to hit the ground running.

So how has BWP performed since joining RBNY in 2013?

The stats make for promising reading for both BWP breaking the record and for RBNY to have another positive season. Since joining in 2013 they have made the postseason every year. In a total of 154 games he has found the net 95 times for Red Bulls, with 86 of them coming in regular season play.

His goalscoring form over the last four seasons has been consistent. In 2013 he only featured in seven regular season games, hence the apparent low-scoring campaign. His 2014 tally of 27 saw him join the record books for the joint most goals in a single regular season, becoming the only non-US player to achieve that feat.

With the above stats in mind, ‘BWP’ needs just 14 regular season goals – or five goals if you count postseason stats – to notch his 100th, which based on his stats in each of his full seasons, he looks poised to achieve. Over the past four regular season campaigns he has averaged 21.25 goals per season.

So long as Wright-Phillips keeps to his consistent performances he will join the MLS 100 Club in 2018. But his main aim will be to continue to fight for an MLS Cup, something he is yet to achieve as he prepares to get underway for his sixth MLS season.

Will BWP net his 100th MLS goal this season and help RBNY to reach the playoffs again?

Competition: Major League Soccer – New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC

Venue: Red Bull Arena – Saturday, June 24 – 13:30 ET (18:30 BST)

Match Odds: NY Red Bulls 5/6 – Draw 13/5 – NYCFC 14/5

Match Preview

New York Red Bulls host New York City FC in the first New York Derby of the 2017 MLS season on Saturday afternoon in one of the standout fixtures of Heineken MLS Rivalry Week.

The Red Bulls come into Saturday’s game off the back of a solid 2-0 win at Philadelphia Union last weekend. They come into this clash in fifth place, just four points behind NYCFC who sit third in the Eastern Conference.

The home side know they are the favourites here, given their impressive record over their noisy neighbours over the past two seasons. They have won all three MLS games at home to New York City to date, including a 1-0 victory 12 months ago in the only regular season battle in New Jersey.

The added boost for the Red Bulls is that their last game on home soil saw them beat NYCFC less than two weeks ago in the US Open Cup. They have only lost once at home all season and are expected to put the visitors to the sword again here.

But New York City have the advantage of coming into the game four points clear of their rivals and in good form themselves. Patrick Vieira’s men came from behind to beat Seattle Sounders 2-1 last weekend and are now unbeaten in three-straight league games.

The worry for the visitors is that their away form isn’t all that impressive. They have lost three of their last four away from Yankee Stadium – including that Open Cup defeat – and have won just one away game since April.

If either side can take all three points from this one, they will put themselves in a really strong position to kick on and challenge for the Supporters’ Shield over the second-half of the campaign. There has yet to ever be a draw between the two rivals.

This will be actually be the third meeting between the two clubs in 2017, but the first in Major League Soccer. As well as their cup battle this month, the pair met in the Desert Diamond Cup during preseason preparations, with a Sacha Kljestan brace enough to see the Red Bulls win 2-0 on that occasion.

Team News

New York Red Bulls have had to prepare for this huge game without head coach Jesse Marsch, as he has been in Poland, continuing work on his UEFA Pro Licence Course. Gideon Baah remains the only long-term absentee for the Red Bulls on the field, while Connor Lade and Mike Grella are doubts but are officially listed as ‘probable’.

New York City FC travel to Red Bull Arena without three key players as Ronald Matarrita, Maxi Moralez and Khiry Shelton are all ruled out with injuries. Ethan White is one booking away from suspension and will need to watch his step.

Key Points

NY Red Bulls’ form: L/D/W/L/W

NYCFC’s form: W/L/D/W/W

Key Stat: Including their US Open Cup win less than two weeks ago, the New York Red Bulls have beaten New York City in all four of their clashes at Red Bull Arena to date, outscoring their local rivals 9-2 in that time.

Key Player: Bradley Wright-Phillips – The Red Bulls star striker has started to find some form, having scored four in his last four MLS outings. He netted his first brace of the season in last weekend’s 2-0 win at Philadelphia and has a great goalscoring record against NYCFC in MLS. He has played in every Hudson River Derby to date, scoring eight goals in six games against Saturday’s visitors.

Score Prediction

New York Red Bulls 3-1 New York City FC – This is a big game for both sides but injuries to key players means NYCFC’s chances of getting their first points away at their local rivals is unlikely. They still have the attacking quality to hurt the Red Bulls but ultimately, the home side’s strong form in this rivalry is poised to continue.

Match Preview

This is a huge tie for Montreal, who desperately need to put an end to the Red Bulls’ incredible run of form to give them any chance of reaching the Eastern Conference final.

Mauro Biello will be feeling ecstatic at how his Montreal side demolished DC 4-2 in the Knockout Round on Thursday evening, but he will be slightly frustrated at the way they conceded two very late goals.

The only meeting between these two in Montreal during the regular season ended with a 3-0 win for the Impact. They would definitely take a repeat of that scoreline, but this is going to be a very cagey contest, with both sides looking to ensure there’s still all to play for in the return leg in a week’s time.

Eastern Conference winners, New York Red Bulls eased past Philadelphia on the final day of the regular season to earn a bye through the Knockout Round. They have had extra time to prepare for this game and should be firing on all cylinders.

Jesse Marsch will have his side pumped and ready to take on Montreal and will be urging them to remember form means nothing when it comes to games as important as this.

The Red Bulls have beaten Impact in their last two meetings, although both of those games were at Red Bull Arena, so they will be expecting a hostile atmosphere here.

If New York keep a clean sheet in this tie you have to fancy them to progress in the second-leg. Montreal know they have to take a lead to Red Bull Arena, so the visitors may well have a slightly more cautious approach this weekend, although an away goal would certainly be a boost.

Montreal were eliminated from the playoffs last season at this very stage, despite winning their home tie in the first-leg, so they can take nothing for granted against a very strong opponent on Sunday evening.

Team News

Andres Romero remains Montreal Impact’s only injury concern. It remains to be seen whether Didier Drogba will return to the side following his soap opera saga in the last few weeks. He sat out of Thursday’s win over DC, with Matteo Mancosu shining up front in the Ivorian’s absence.

New York Red Bulls are expecting to be without four for this tie as Gideon Baah, Connor Lade, Justin Bilyeu and Daniel Royer are all out. Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips will be looking to continue his fine form here.

Key Points

Montreal Impact’s form: W/W/D/L/W

New York Red Bulls’ form: D/W/W/W/W

Key Stat: The Red Bulls are unbeaten in their last 16 MLS outings.

Key Player: Ignacio Piatti – The obvious choice. Montreal Impact need their midfield maestro to be on top form to take a lead into the second leg. He can change a game in a flash and will need to be at his creative best once again here.

Score Prediction

Montreal Impact 1-1 New York Red Bulls – This has the makings of a tight game, as most first legs do. Montreal are going to find the confident Red Bulls difficult to deal with and a draw would be an unsurprising result, but would certainly suit the visitors better.

Match Preview

The Union haven’t had a lot to shout about in recent weeks. They haven’t won in six but the good news is that they should squeak into the playoffs.

Philadelphia are sitting 6th in the East and it would require a 13 goal swing for 7th placed New England to take that place, which on the face of it, sounds impossible.

Jim Curtin will be gunning for his side to put an end to their winless run, finish the season on a high and go into the playoffs with optimism.

Picture courtesy of philadelphiaunion.com

New York Red Bulls task is simple, avoid a 13 goal swing and they will be named winners of the conference. The squad will be focused on winning the game and finishing the regular season unbeaten in 16.

Bradley Wright-Phillips will be hoping his teammates provide him with the service to fend off David Villa in the race for the Golden Boot.

Red Bulls come into this one having won 3-2 against Crew, they had been three goals to the good, so Jesse Marsch will want a tighter defensive display this weekend.

RBNY’s unbeaten run has been extremely impressive, they will be going into the playoffs full of confidence and ready to take on anyone.

Team News

Philadelphia have just the two injury concerns as there are questions about the fitness of both Josh Yaro and Warren Creavalle.

New York Red Bulls are expecting to be without four as Gideon Baah, Connor Lade, Justin Bilyeu and Daniel Royer are all expected to be out.

Key Points

Philadelphia Union’s last five: D/L/D/L/L

Red Bulls’ last five: D/D/W/W/W

Key Stat: Unbeaten run – New York Red Bulls are unbeaten in their last 15 regular season outings.

Key Player: Bradley Wright-Phillips – BWP is leading the way to win the MLS Golden Boot by one goal. His rival forward Villa has been challenging him all season. All BWP needs to do is play his usual game and the goals will come, he will not put himself before the team for the sake of the record. It is going to be a huge theme of decision day.

Score Prediction

Philadelphia Union 1-2 New York Red Bulls – Philadelphia Union’s winless run to extend to seven. They face a Red Bulls side who just don’t look like losing at the moment. Both of these sides will already have an eye on the playoffs. A Union win and results in their favour could see them move up to 5th, but a close loss seems a likely result.

Columbus Crew are in 8th place, six points behind the top six and this looks like a season of disappointment for their fans.

Crew have won just twice and only picked up ten points on the road this season. That has all-but ultimately cost them throughout the regular season and they will need to rebuild and go again in the 2017 campaign.

This season has been a far cry from Crew’s 2015 campaign but they still have a huge part to play in the final standings of the 2016 season and they will have the backing of plenty of RBNY’s rivals.

Photo: @ColumbusCrewSC

Team News

New York Red Bulls still have an extensive injury list as Gideon Baah, Connor Lade, Ronald Zubar, Justin Bilyeu and Daniel Royer are all expected to miss out, while Omer Damari could feature.

Columbus Crew haven’t had much luck with injuries either, as Matt Pacifici, Ben Swanson, Cedrick Mabwati, Tyson Wahl, Waylon Francis are all out, while Federico Higuain and Conor Casey are both doubts

Key Points

NY Red Bulls’ last five: W/D/D/W/W

Columbus Crew’s last five: W/W/L/W/D

Key Stat: New York Red Bulls are on an unbeaten run of 14 regular season games.

Key Player: Bradley Wright-Phillips – The RBNY striker has netted 21 goals this season, the same number as Villa from rivals NYCFC. He will be pushing to top the chart come the end of the campaign.

Score Prediction

New York Red Bulls 2-1 Columbus Crew – Red Bulls to continue their impressive home form and pick up another three points. Marsch knows all his side can do is win their remaining two games and they can finish the regular season top of the Eastern Conference.

Match Preview

The Red Bulls are sitting 2nd in the East on 45 points ahead of this tie. They are seven points off the pace in the race for the Supporters’ Shield but will still be looking to contend until winning the silverware is not mathematically possible.

Jesse Marsch’s side trail top spot in the East by two points but have played a game more than leaders Toronto. They can book their playoff place for the 7th consecutive season with a win over Montreal here.

RBNY come into this one after that thrilling 3-3 draw away at Toronto. A great one for the neutrals but disappointing for the Red Bulls as they were leading 3-1.

Montreal Impact are sitting 5th in the East and if results go their way this weekend they could move up to 4th. They need to avoid defeat here to ensure they’re not dragged into a dogfight for a playoff finish.

The Impact are four points above the red line but as we know an advantage can quickly fall from under your feet in MLS.

Mauro Biello’s side face a very tough challenge to take all three points here, they’re up against a Red Bulls side who are unbeaten in their last 12 regular season outings.

Montreal come into this tie having lost 3-1 at home to New England, a game that extended their winless run to three. Impact have a very tough run in, so a draw would be a positive result here, giving them good grounding to push on with confidence.

Team News

New York Red Bulls have four injury concerns heading into this tie as Gideon Baah, Connor Lade and Ronald Zubar are all expected to be out, while Omer Damari is a doubt.

Andres Romero remains the only player out for Montreal Impact.

Key Points

New York Red Bulls’ last five: D/W/W/D/D

Montreal Impact’s last five: D/W/L/D/L

Key Stat: New York Red Bulls are unbeaten in their last 12 regular season matches.

Key Player: Sacha Kljestan – The Red Bulls midfielder maestro has been a consistent performer all season. He has netted five times and racked up an impressive 13 assists.

Score Prediction

New York Red Bulls 2-1 Montreal Impact – New York Red Bulls have been in incredible form of late, they have won nine of their last 11 games at Red Bull Arena and they will fancy their chances of continuing their unbeaten run here. Montreal have both the players and ability to trouble any side in MLS, but this is going to be an incredibly tough tie.

Match Preview

Vancouver are sitting 9th in the Western Conference heading into this tie, four points behind the top six, they have a lot of work to do to stand any chance of finishing above the red line this season.

The Whitecaps come into this one off the back of their 0-0 away draw against LA, ending a four-game losing streak.

Vancouver haven’t won in their last seven regular season ties, and worryingly for them they have picked up just three points from a possible 21.

New York Red Bulls are unbeaten in their last nine Major League Soccer outings. They’ll be feeling confident of extending that run here.

Jesse Marsch’s side are third in the Eastern Conference, just three points off top spot and they will be hoping to challenge all the way to top the East come the end of the regular season.

Red Bulls will be looking to improve on their last result at BC Place back in 2014 where they lost 4-1. A win here could put them top of the East if results go their way.

New York have drawn their last four on their travels, they’ll be hoping to continue their unbeaten run on the road with a win this time out.

Team News

Vancouver Whitecaps have just three injury concerns heading into this tie as Christian Dean, Kekuta Manneh and Jordan Harvey are all out. Carl Robinson’s options are limited here as Marcel De Jong, David Edgar, Christian Bolanos, Kendall Waston, Giles Barnes and Blas Perez are all on international duty.

New York Red Bulls are without Gideon Baah, Connor Lade and Damien Perrinelle, while Dax McCarty and Luis Robles are both doubts. Red Bulls have less players on international duty as Kemar Lawrence is with the Jamica squad, while Sacha Kljestan is in action for The USMNT.

Key Points

Vancouver Whitecaps’ form: L/L/L/L/D

New York Red Bulls’ form: D/D/W/D/W

Key Stat: New York Red Bulls have drawn their last four Major League Soccer away ties.

Key Player: Bradley Wright Phillips – The New York Red Bulls frontman will be looking to take advantage of a Vancouver side lacking confidence. BWP has scored seven goals in his last six outings.

Score Prediction

Vancouver Whitecaps 1-2 New York Red Bulls – More misery for Vancouver Whitecaps who just cannot end their winless run. The Red Bulls will be eager to take all three points in this on and, given current form and players missing from either squad, they should do so.

Match Preview

Jesse Marsch’s side have been in strong form and are unbeaten in their last eight regular season games, they will be feeling confident of extending that run here.

Red Bulls come into this one off the back of their disappointing 2-2 draw away at DC. Although the game was disrupted early on due to the weather, NYRB had gone on to lead 2-0, but threw three points away to a DC side who showed great spirit to turn things around.

New York are six points off top spot in the East and will be looking to finish the season in the highest position possible. They have eight regular season games remaining and if they carry on this unbeaten run they have a great chance of topping the East.

New England Revolution are having a season to forget, but they still have plenty of games ahead of them to push their way above the red line. They’re currently sitting 8th, two points behind the top six.

Jay Heaps will be eager for his side to end their five game winless run here but will know how tough this tie is going to be.

The Revs drew their last outing 0-0 away at San Jose, that result ended a four game losing streak. They now need to build upon that and take a positive result in this one.

New England haven’t won in their last six attempts on the road and face a Red Bulls side who are proving to be tough to beat at home.

Team News

New York Red Bulls are without four through injury ahead of the game as Gideon Baah, Dax McCarty, Connor Lade and Damien Perrinelle all remain out.

New England Revolution could be without as many as six for this tie as Xavier Kouassi, Jordan McCrary, Je-Vaughn Watson, Jose Goncalves are out, while Femi Hollinger-Janzen and Donnie Smith are both doubts.

Key Points

New York Red Bulls’ last five: W/D/D/W/D

New England Revolution’s last five: L/L/L/L/D

Key Stat: New York Red Bulls are unbeaten in their last nine Major League Soccer home outings, winning eight.

Key Player: Bradley Wright-Phillips – The Red Bulls’ frontman has netted 15 goals so far this season and has four in his last two home appearances.

Score Prediction

New York Red Bulls 3-1 New England Revolution – Given the form of these two sides it is difficult to see anything other than a win for Red Bulls. New England have struggled for large parts of the regular season and although they ended their losing run last time out it looks set to be another tough one to take for their fans.